National Aging and Disability Center Will Promote Availability and Accessibility of Transportation for Seniors, People with Disabilities and Caregivers

Washington, D.C. - Easter Seals and the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging(n4a) are pleased to announce the launch [on Oct. 1, 2015] of the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), a new national technical assistance center funded by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA). Building on more than 20 years’ experience of these two national leaders in accessible transportation, the NADTC will promote the availability and accessibility of transportation options for seniors, people with disabilities, caregivers, and communities throughout the U.S. The new Center will work to support the delivery of more effective, efficient, high-quality and coordinated specialized transportation services that maximize federal investments.

NADTC will provide technical assistance, information and referral; develop and field training; implement an interactive communication and outreach strategy; and offer grant funding to support communities in assessing their needs and developing innovative transportation solutions. To ensure that the Center’s work responds to the needs of our target audiences, we will engage consumers and other stakeholders as partners, offering opportunities to provide feedback and guidance.

“FTA is committed to improving quality of life for seniors and individuals with disabilities by making public transportation an easy and efficient way for them to access jobs, schools, and services,” said FTA Acting Administrator Therese McMillan. “The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) will help aging and disability networks leverage funding from FTA and others to improve access to community supports and services.”

“People with disabilities and older adults often rely on public transportation systems to engage in the community and live their lives to the fullest,” said Administration for Community Living Administrator Kathy Greenlee. “The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center will connect transportation leaders and the aging and disability networks to ensure that the perspectives of people with disabilities and older adults are incorporated into every aspect of transportation planning. We look forward to continuing our work with the FTA to support transportation systems that work for people of all ages and abilities.”

“The lack of access to viable transportation options is a major reason why many older adults can no longer live with dignity and independence in their homes and communities,” said n4a Chief Executive Officer Sandy Markwood. She went on to note, “It’s exciting to know that through its work to improve the mobility options of seniors and others, NADTC will also be in a position to improve the quality of life of so many Americans.”

“Innovations in transportation and technology are making it possible for people with disabilities and older adults to live more independently and remain in their homes longer,” said Randall L. Rutta, President & Chief Executive Officer of Easter Seals, Inc. “Through the NADTC, Easter Seals and n4a will be able to share information on creative ways to improve transportation services and involve in the transportation decision-making process the individuals most affected by it.”

To find out more about the NADTC, request technical assistance, or to sign up for the Center’s e-News, send an email to contact@nadtc.org or call toll-free (866) 528-6278.

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The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is a 501c(3) membership association representing America’s national network of 623 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and providing a voice in the nation’s capital for the 256 Title VI Native American aging programs. The mission of n4a is to build the capacity of its members so they can better help older adults and people with disabilities live with dignity and choices in their homes and communities for as long as possible.

Visit www.n4a.org for more information.Easter Seals is the leading non-profit provider of services for individuals with autism, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities and other special needs. For nearly 100 years, we have been offering help, hope, and answers to children and adults living with disabilities, and to the families who love them. Through therapy, training, education and support services, Easter Seals creates life-changing solutions so that people with disabilities can live, learn, work and play. To learn more about Easter Seals and services in communities nationwide, visit www.easterseals.com.

The National Aging and Disability Transportation Center is funded through a cooperative agreement of Easter Seals, the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and the U.S Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration, with guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living.